PLOT A$& COUNTERPLOT approach him—apologetically . . . request an inter- view at his convenience . . . and so tear the whole thing up. Casca would smile, set his house in order, give them their interview and never go near his safe- deposit for the next three years. Woking and Auntie Emma would both go empty away, and so should we. I tell you, these 4 A.S/ cases have an almighty bulge. Direct action is futile—bound to fail. Their position is impregnable. Their good name compels considera- tion, and they use that consideration to make their escape." " Jonah is right," said I. " It's a question of moral courage. If a man like Fluff is suspected, he is arrested and charged. But if Casca was seen picking pockets, they'd refuse to believe their eyes." "Well, I think it's a beastly shame," said Jill, hotly. " Just because-----" " It's human nature," said L " And there you are." " I don't care. It's a beastly shame. We know he's taken our things, but, just because'he's not poor, we've got to sit still and let him keep them, unless we're clever enough to be there when he's actually giving them to Woking to take away." " That, I'm afraid," said Jonah, " is an accurate statement of fact. We have got to know—>not believe, know that he has the stuff on his person, before we strike. If we strike without knowing that, and he hasn't the stuff upon him, we've lost the game." " And Auntie Emma ? " said Berry. " I thirtlc it goes without saying that Auntie Emma is out to do exactly the same. A burglar aewr goes for an empty house." " Collision," said Berry. *' What fun we shall